How big is the Mimic octopus?

Mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) reaches 15–60 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Mimic octopus?

Mimic octopus is found between 1–30 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Mimic octopus?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Mimic octopus?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Thaumoctopus mimicus
Common name: Mimic octopus
Category: Molluscs
Family: Octopodidae
Genus: Thaumoctopus
Size: 15–60 cm
Depth: 1–30 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: sand, mud
Behaviours: solitary, cryptic, predator
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Thaumoctopus mimicus reaches 60 cm. Extraordinary octopus with brown-white striped body, capable of mimicking behavior, posture and colors of at least 15 other toxic or dangerous marine species to escape predators: flatfish (Bothus), sea snake (Laticauda), lionfish (Pterois), jellyfish, mantis shrimp, anemone, crab, shell, etc. Discovered in 1998 in Indonesia. Lives from 1 to 30 m on sand and muddy bottoms of central Indo-Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines, Bali, Sulawesi). One of the most famous examples of dynamic mimicry worldwide. Legendary photo and video subject.

Photo of Mimic octopus

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Mimic octopus?: Mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) reaches 15–60 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Mimic octopus?: Mimic octopus is found between 1–30 m deep.
Is the Mimic octopus dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Mimic octopus?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Mimic octopus?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the family Octopodidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 342403)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4357171)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia